Dual tank spray system and spreader for use therewith

ABSTRACT

A dual tank spray system includes a deck having wheels and an engine, first and second tanks mounted on the deck and configured to hold first and second liquid materials, respectively, and first and second sets of one or more liquid-spray nozzles mounted on the deck. A fluid distribution system provides fluid communication between the first and second tanks and the first and second sets of nozzles. The fluid distribution system transmits the first and second liquid materials from the first and second tanks to the first and second sets of nozzles, such that the first and second sets of nozzles can selectively spray the first liquid, the second liquid and a combination thereof.

This application is entitled to the benefit of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/724,643, filed Oct. 7, 2005, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to liquid sprayers, and more particularly, to liquid sprayers for distributing material over a ground surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Materials are commonly applied to lawns and gardens to maintain the health of the plants and to treat specific diseases or undesirable conditions. For example, fertilizers may be periodically applied to promote plant growth, while insecticides and/or fungicides may be used to eliminate pests or control plant diseases. Lawn treatment materials are typically in granular, powder or liquid form.

Lawn and garden spreaders that can be used to apply granular and/or liquid materials are known. U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,795 to Jessen discloses a motorized apparatus for spreading on the ground granular and liquid treatment materials at the selection of the operator. The apparatus includes granular and liquid storage compartments and associated controls to release the treatment materials on an as needed basis. A pump is operably connected to the liquid storage compartment, one or more area spray nozzles and an optional spray wand. Optionally, the liquid storage compartment may have two separate chambers, with one chamber feeding to one of the spray nozzles (or set of nozzles) and the other chamber feeding to a second nozzle (or set of nozzles).

Self-propelled and riding lawn and garden spreaders are also known. U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,600 to Jessen discloses a spreader that can apply granular and/or liquid materials to both wide and narrow areas at a constant rate of applications per unit area at for at least two different ground speeds. Two sets of nozzles are disclosed. The flow rate of the two sets of nozzles may have different flow rate capacities that, through proper selection of the nozzles, produce a constant rate of application per unit area at the different ground speeds.

There exists a need for a lawn and garden spreader that allows the operator to have a greater degree of control over the materials being applied to the lawn or garden and the rate of application of those materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a material spreader having a dual tank spray system includes a deck having wheels and an engine mounted on the deck and configured to drive the wheels. First and second tanks are mounted on the deck and configured to hold first and second liquid materials, respectively. First and second sets of one or more liquid-spray nozzles are mounted on the deck. A pump is mounted on the deck and is configured to pump the first and second liquid materials and/or a combination thereof to the first and second sets of nozzles. A fluid distribution system provides fluid communication between the first and second tanks, the first and second sets of liquid-spray nozzles, and the pump. The fluid distribution system is configured such that the first and second sets of nozzles can selectively spray the first liquid, the second liquid and a combination thereof.

According to other aspects of the present invention, the first and second sets of liquid-spray nozzles may be mounted on a front portion of the deck, or the first and second sets of liquid-spray nozzles may each include two nozzles, with each of the nozzles mounted on opposite side portions of the deck.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the system may further include a third set of liquid-spray nozzles in fluid communication with the fluid distribution system such that the third set of nozzles may selectively spray the first liquid, the second liquid or a combination thereof. The third set of nozzles may have one, two, or more than two nozzles. The third set of liquid-spray nozzles may be flexibly coupled to the deck via the fluid distribution system.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the fluid distribution system may further include a tank valve device located upstream of the pump, the tank valve device being in fluid communication with the first tank, the second tank and the pump and configured to selectively transmit the first and second liquid materials, or a combination thereof, from the first and second tanks to the pump.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the tank valve device may selectively and variably control the flow rate of each of the first and second liquid materials from the first and second tanks, respectively.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the fluid distribution system may further include a first nozzle valve device located upstream of the first set of one or more nozzles and a second nozzle valve device located upstream of the second set of one or more nozzles, the first and second nozzle valve devices located downstream of the pump, the first and second nozzle valve devices configured to control the flow rate to the first and second set of liquid-spray nozzles, respectively.

According to even another aspect of the present invention, the first and second nozzle valve devices may variably control the flow rate to the first and second set of liquid-spray nozzles, respectively.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the fluid distribution system may further include a drain valve device located downstream of the pump.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a hopper may be mounted on the deck and configured to hold granular material, and an impeller may be rotatably mounted to the hopper to distribute the granular material.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the pump may be electrically powered by an onboard battery and/or charging system.

According to even another aspect of the present invention, the system may further include a ride-on platform.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a dual tank spray system for a material spreader includes first and second tanks, configured to hold first and second liquid materials, respectively, first and second sets of one or more liquid-spray nozzles, and a pump. The dual tanks spray system further includes a fluid distribution system configured to provide fluid communication between the first and second tanks, the first and second sets of liquid-spray nozzles, and the pump, such that the first set of nozzles can selectively spray the first liquid, the second liquid and a combination thereof and such that the second set of nozzles can selectively spray the first liquid, the second liquid and a combination thereof. The fluid distribution system includes a tank valve device having as a first input a flow from the first tank, as a second input a flow from the second tank, and as an output a flow directed into the pump, and a nozzle valve device having as input a flow from the pump, as a first output a flow to the first set of nozzles, and as a second output a flow to the second set of nozzles.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a dual tank spray system for a material spreader includes first and second tanks, configured to hold first and second liquid materials, respectively, first, second and third sets of one or more liquid-spray nozzles, and a pump. The dual tank spray system further includes a fluid distribution system configured to provide fluid communication between the first and second tanks, the first, second and third sets of liquid-spray nozzles, and the pump, such that the first, second and third set of nozzles can selectively spray the first liquid, the second liquid and a combination thereof. The fluid distribution system includes a tank valve device having as a first input a flow from the first tank, as a second input a flow from the second tank, and as an output a flow directed into the pump, wherein the tank valve device includes one of a variable flow control three-way mixing valve and a pair of variable flow control two-way valves. The fluid distribution system further includes a plurality of two-way nozzle valve devices, each two-way nozzle valve device associated with each individual nozzle of the first, second, and third sets of nozzles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For simplicity and clarity of explanation, various embodiments and aspects of the invention are shown in the Figures. It is to be appreciated that such views are merely illustrative and are not necessarily drawn to scale or to the exact shape.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a material spreader with a dual tank spray system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the material spreader with the dual tank spray system, according to the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a material spreader with the dual tank spray system, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a material spreader with a dual tank spray system, according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic of a fluid distribution system of a dual tank spray system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic of a fluid distribution system of a dual tank spray system, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic of a fluid distribution system of a dual tank spray system, according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a fluid distribution system of a dual tank spray system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a liquid material tank, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a granular material hopper, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an impeller, according to an aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fuel tank, according to an aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a self-propelled, ride-on spreader 10 is illustrated. The spreader 10 includes a deck 12 having wheels 14 and an engine 16 mounted on the deck 12 and configured to drive the wheels 14. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the spreader 10 includes a dual tank spray system 20.

The deck 12 generally encompasses any structural framework and all the mounting surfaces to which the individual components, described below, may be attached, and is not meant to be limited to any single surface. As an example, a main platform 13 for the deck may be made of stainless steel (for example, 304 stainless steel) sheet having a thickness of approximately ⅛ inch, which a length of about 32 inches, a width of about 17 inches, and height of about 3 inches. This can be compared to the overall dimensions of an exemplary spreader of about 55 inches long, 35 inches wide, and 53 inches in height.

The dual tank spray system 20 includes first and second tanks 22, 24 configured to hold first and second liquid materials L1, L2, first and second sets of one or more liquid-spray nozzles 30, 40, a fluid distribution system 50 and a pump 80.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the dual tank spray system 20 includes first and second tanks 22, 24 mounted on the deck 12. Each tank 22, 24 is configured to hold liquid materials L1, L2. The tanks 22,24 may have equal or unequal volume capacities. For example, there may be a need to spray roughly equal amounts of liquid treatment materials on the lawn or garden, in which case, tanks 22, 24 having equal volume capacities may be preferred. Alternatively, there may be a need, for example, to treat the entire lawn or garden with a first liquid treatment, but only to spot treat certain areas of the lawn or garden with a second liquid treatment. In which case, having tanks 22, 24 of unequal volume capacities may be desirable.

Thus, as a non-limiting example, the tanks 22, 24 may be identical, with each tank 22, 24 having, say, an eight-gallon capacity as best shown in FIG. 9. The tanks 22, 24 may be formed of plastic, metal, or any other suitable material or combination thereof. For example, the tanks 22, 24 may be formed of polyethylene or polypropylene and may include flush-mounted stainless steel inserts for mounting purposes. Four such mounting inserts may be located on the bottom of the tank 22, 24. Each tank 22, 24 may be provided with incremental markings 25 on one or more side surfaces of the tanks as an indicator of the volume of liquid stored within the tank. An opening 26 for filling the tanks 22, 24 may be provided on the top surface of the tank, the opening having a standard, five-inch filler cap 27 to close and seal the tank. A return or agitator line inlet port 28 may be provided on each tank 22, 24, also preferably on the top surface of the tank. An outlet port 29 is provided on each tank 22, 24, either on a side surface, preferably towards the bottom of the tank, or on the bottom face of the tank. In one aspect, the tank may have a sixteen-inch length, a twelve-inch width and a ten-inch height (not including the filler cap) with half-gallon incremental markings on the sides. Other tank configurations are possible, for example, the first tank 22 may have a twelve-gallon capacity and the second tank 24 may have a four-gallon capacity.

In one aspect, for additional flexibility, the tanks 22, 24 may be removably and individually mounted to the deck 12. To facilitate this aspect, the footprint for attaching the tanks 22, 24 to the deck 12 via fasteners may provide for interchangeably attaching the various tank configurations to the deck. In another aspect, the tanks 22, 24 may be held to the deck via straps, clips (see FIG. 4) or clamps, which may also allow for interchangeably mounting the various tank configurations.

The dual tank spray system 20 further includes a first set of one or more liquid-spray nozzles 30, 40. A set may include only a single nozzle 32. Alternatively, the set may include two or more nozzles. In one aspect, the set includes two nozzles. The liquid-spray nozzles 32 may be selected to operate over a range of pressures without being adjustable. Alternatively, the liquid-spray nozzles 32 may be adjustable, to control the distribution of the spray under various pressure and flow conditions. In one aspect, the adjustable liquid-spray nozzles 32 may include multiple spray heads that may be rotated into the stream of liquid to achieve the desired spray characteristics. An example of a suitable nozzle is Tee-Jet™, Model No. QJ8355.

The dual tank spray system further includes a second set of one or more liquid-spray nozzles 40. As with the first set of spray nozzles 30, the second set of nozzles 40 may include a single nozzle 42, two nozzles, or more than two. Also as with the first set of spray nozzles, the spray nozzle(s) 42 of the second set 40 are also mounted, directly or indirectly, on the deck 12. The nozzles 42 of the second set of spray nozzles 40 may be the same as the nozzles 32 of the first set of spray nozzles 30. Alternatively, for example, the first set of nozzles 30 may be fixed, i.e. not adjustable, whereas the second set of spray nozzles 40 may be adjustable.

These liquid-spray nozzles 32 may be mounted, directly or indirectly, on the deck 12. As best shown in FIG. 1, the nozzles 32, 42 may be mounted on the front of the deck 12, facing forward and down. Alternatively, the nozzles 32, 42 may be mounted on either side of the deck 12 to achieve greater coverage of the lawn or garden on a single pass of the spreader 10. FIG. 3 shows nozzles 32 mounted on the front of the deck and nozzles 42 mounted on the sides. The specific orientation and placement of the liquid-spray nozzles 32, 42, within the limitations of the present invention, may be determined by the specific use to which the spreader 10 is put. In one aspect, the nozzles 32, 42 may be adjustably mounted to the deck 12, such that the orientation and/or spacing of the nozzles 32, 42 with respect to the deck 12 may be individually set. As best shown FIG. 4, one set of nozzles 40 is located at the end of pivotable and slidable arms 34 and the other set of nozzles 30 is attached to the front of the deck 12 via an angular adjustment lug and clevis mechanism 36. Other methods may be used to adjustably mount the nozzles 32, 42, directly or indirectly, to the deck 12.

The dual tank spray system 20 further includes a fluid distribution system 50. As best shown schematically in FIGS. 5-8, the fluid distribution system 50 provides fluid communication between the first and second tanks 22, 24 and the first and second sets of liquid-spray nozzles 30, 40. The fluid distribution system 50 is configured to transmit the first and second liquid materials L1, L2 from the first and second tanks 22, 24 to the first and second sets of liquid-spray nozzles 30, 40. The fluid distribution system 50 is further configured such that the first and second sets of nozzles 30, 40 can selectively spray the first liquid L1, the second liquid L2 or a combination thereof.

According to another aspect of the present invention, as best shown schematically in FIG. 6, the system 20 may further include a third set of one or more liquid-spray nozzles 60 in fluid communication with the fluid distribution system 50 such that the third set of nozzles 60 can selectively spray the first liquid L1, the second liquid L2, and a combination thereof. The third set of liquid-spray nozzles 60 may be flexibly coupled, directly or indirectly, to the deck 12 via the fluid distribution system 50.

As an example, the third set of nozzles 60 may be side shot nozzles 62 (see FIGS. 1-2). These side shot nozzles 62 may be incorporated onto spray wands 64, i.e. removable wands that can be used to provide a highly localized spray of liquid material L1, L2 to a specific plant or ground area. By way of non-limiting example, variable dual side shot nozzles 62 may be provided on spray wands 64 having, for example, a ¼×⅜ inch by 15 foot coiled hose 63 and a handle 65.

As shown in FIG. 1, both the first and second sets of liquid-spray nozzles 30, 40 may be mounted on a front portion of the deck 12. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the first and second sets of liquid-spray nozzles 30, 40 may each include two nozzles 32 42, with the nozzles 42 of one of the sets of nozzles 40 mounted on opposite side portions of the deck 12. As shown in FIG. 4, one of the sets of nozzles 30 has only a single nozzle 32, which is mounted on the front portion of the deck 12. Other configurations of nozzles and nozzle mounting patterns are within the scope of the invention.

The dual tank spray system 20 further includes a pump 80, which may be mounted on the deck 12. The pump 80 is configured to pump the first liquid material L1, the second liquid material L2 and/or a combination thereof through the fluid distribution system 50 to the first and second set of nozzles 30, 40. A suitable pump 80, by way of non-limiting example, could be a Shurflo™ pump, 2008 Series, which has a three gallon/minute capacity with a forty-five pound/square-inch capability and a five ampere maximum draw. The pump 80 may be electrically powered by an onboard battery and/or charging system coupled to the engine 16.

As best shown schematically in FIGS. 5-8, the fluid distribution system 50 further includes a tank valve device 52 located downstream of the first and second tanks 22, 24 and upstream of the pump 80. The tank valve device 52 is in fluid communication with the first tank 22 via line 51, with the second tank 24 via line 53 and with the pump 80 via line 55. The tank valve device 52 is configured to selectively transmit the first liquid material L1 from the first tank 22 to the pump 80, the second liquid material L2 from the second tank 24 to the pump 80, and both the first and second liquid materials L1, L2 from the first and second tanks 22, 24 to the pump 80. Thus, in general, the tank valve device 52 may have as a first input a flow from the first tank 22, as a second input a flow from the second tank 22, and as an output a flow directed into the pump 80. Control knob(s) 15, as best shown in FIG. 2, for the tank valve device 52 may be mounted on a panel on the spreader within easy reach of the operator.

In one aspect, the tank valve device 52 may be a three-way mixing valve 54, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. This mixing valve 54 could have multiple settings, including, by way of non-limiting example, the following settings:

-   -   100% flow from the first tank and 0% flow from the second tank;     -   100% flow from the first tank and 100% flow from the second         tank;     -   100% flow from the first tank and 100% flow from the second         tank; and     -   100% flow from the first tank and 0% flow from the second tank.         With these settings, the three-way valve 54 is essentially         acting in an on/off manner-either all of the flow or none of the         flow is received as input from each tank 22, 24. An example of a         suitable three-way mixing valve is Hydro Air™, Part No. V533P-8.

In another aspect, the tank valve device 52 may selectively and variably control the flow rate of each of the first and second liquid materials L1, L2 from the first and second tanks 22, 24, respectively. For example, the three-way mixing valve 54 could have multiple settings, including, as non-limiting examples, the following settings:

-   -   100% flow from the first tank and 0% flow from the second tank;     -   90% flow from the first tank and 10% flow from the second tank;     -   80% flow from the first tank and 20% flow from the second tank;     -   20% flow from the first tank and 80% flow from the second tank.     -   10% flow from the first tank and 90% flow from the second tank.     -   0% flow from the first tank and 100% flow from the second tank.     -   0% flow from the first tank and 0% flow from the second tank.

In an alternative aspect, the three-way mixing valve 54 may have completely variable settings, including, as non-limiting examples, the following settings:

-   -   10% flow from the first tank and 10% flow from the second tank;     -   20% flow from the first tank and 75% flow from the second tank;         and     -   65% flow from the first tank and 0% flow from the second tank,         etc.

As best shown in FIG. 7, rather than the three-way mixing valve 54 described above, the tank valve device 52 may include a pair of two-way valves 56, 58. The two-way valve 56 has as an input the flow from the first liquid material tank 22 via line 51. The two-way valve 58 has as an input the flow from the second liquid material tank 24 via line 53. The output of the individual two-way valves 56, 58 flows into a common distribution line 55 and then into the pump 80. Similar to the three-way mixing valve 54, the two-way valves 56, 58 may function as simple on/off valves or as variable flow control valves.

In a further aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 5-7, the fluid distribution system 50 further includes a nozzle valve device 70 located downstream of the pump 80 and upstream of the first and second sets of one or more liquid-spray nozzles 30, 40. The nozzle valve device 70 accepts as input a flow from the pump 80 via line 57, and provides as output flow to the first and second set of nozzles 30, 40, via lines 59 a, 59 b. Control knob(s) 17, as best shown in FIG. 2, for the nozzle valve device 70 may also be mounted on a panel of the spreader for easy access by the operator.

The nozzle valve device 70 may be a three-way diverting valve 72, as best shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively, the nozzle valve device 60 may be a pair of two-way valves 74, 76, as best shown in FIG. 6. As with the tank valve device 52 described above, the nozzle valve device 70 may selectively and variably control the flow rate to each of the first and second sets of nozzles 30, 40. An example of a suitable two-way valve is Hydro Air, Part no. GENVQ44.

In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 8, the fluid distribution system 50 includes a tank valve device 52 and a plurality of two-way nozzle valve devices 78, wherein each two-way nozzle valve device 78 is associated with an individual nozzle 32, 42. This provides the ultimate in flexibility in terms of which nozzles 32, 42 are activated. In one aspect, the two-way nozzle valve devices 78 are on/off valves, such that the flow to the individual nozzles 32,42 may be stopped and started with the flick of a switch. In another aspect, the two-way nozzle valve devices 78 are variable control valves, such that the flow rate to the individual nozzles 32, 42 may be variably adjusted.

According to one aspect of the present invention, as best shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6 each nozzle 62 of the third set of one or more liquid-spray nozzles 60 are individually coupled to a handle 65 (for example, as a side shot wand), with an on/off valve 66 individually mounted on, or adjacent to, the handle(s) 65 and configured to stop and start flow to the respective nozzle 62. The on/off valve(s) 66 may be placed in series with a spring-loaded or push-button trigger 67 on the handle 65. The trigger is designed to release flow from the nozzles(s) 62. The on/off valve(s) 65 are designed to provide a more reliable shut-off than the triggers. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the on/off valve 66 includes a knob for opening and closing the flow to the nozzle(s) 62. An example of a suitable on/off valve is Hydro Air™, Part No. 86710-06.

As shown in FIG. 6, the fluid distribution system 50 may further include a drain valve device 82 located downstream of the pump 80. Fluid in the system may be drained by activating the drain valve device 82. In a preferred design, the drain valve device 82 is an on/off valve 84, although in the simplest case, the drain valve device could be a cap that unscrews from a drain port. A control knob 19 for the drain valve device, as best shown in FIG. 2, may be located on the front of the spreader.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a hopper 100 may be mounted on the deck 12 and configured to hold granular material. The granular material is released at the bottom of the hopper 100 through an outlet 102 (or plurality of outlets), as shown in FIG. 10. The outlet 102 may be an adjustable rate controlled outlet. By way of non-limiting example, the hopper may have a 150 to 200 pound capacity. The hopper 100 may be made of any suitable material, including plastics, metals and any combination thereof. It is desirable that the hopper be rust resistant and capable of withstanding the rigors of rugged outdoor use. As an example, the hopper 100 may be formed from a sheet of 0.06 or 1/16 inch thick stainless steel, stamped or cut, and then folded to shape. As best shown in FIG. 10, the hopper 100 may have inclined sides 104 to facilitate movement of the granular material to the outlet 102 in the bottom of the hopper 100. As an additional benefit, the angled sides 104 of the hopper 100 may facilitate nesting one hopper within another in order to save on shipping and/or storage volume. Additionally, the bottom of the hopper may include inclined surfaces 106, for example having a 25 degree pitch, to further facilitate funneling of the granular material to the outlet 102. An agitator (not shown) may be included within the hopper 100 to even further facilitate flow of the granular material to the outlet(s) 102. As an example, a hopper having a 150 to 200 pound capacity could have a top length of about 28 inches, a bottom length of about 26 inches, a top width of about 17 inches, a bottom width of about 15 inches, and about a 21 inch height from lowest point to highest point. A front to rear incline on the top of the hopper shown in FIG. 10 is about 12 degrees.

According to one aspect of the present invention, as best shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 11, an impeller 110 may be rotatably mounted to the hopper 100 to distribute the granular material over the ground area. The impeller 110 may be formed of any suitable plastic, metal or combination thereof. In one design as shown in FIG. 11, the impeller 110 may include a circular plate 112 with a diameter of about 12 inches formed from approximately 0.03 to 0.06 inch thick stainless steel (for example, 304 stainless steel). Four approximately half-inch high blades 114, made of approximately 0.06 inch thick stainless steel, are shown extending radially outward from the center of the circular plate 112 in a crisscrossed arrangement. The cross section of the blades 114 may, by way of non-limiting example, be a thin rectangular shape, an L-shape or a C-channel shape. The horizontal lip 116 of the impeller blade 114 may be on the order of 3/16 inch deep. This lip 116 may facilitate the distribution of the granular material. The blades 114 may be attached to the plate 112 using any suitable method, including, as examples, riveting, brazing, welding (spot or continuous), adhesive bonding or fitting the blades into slots in the impeller or the impeller hub. The impeller 110 may be used to distribute the granular material falling from the outlet(s) 102 of the hopper 100 over about an 11 foot pattern. It may be appreciated that the impeller 110 may be rotatably driven by the wheels 14.

According to even another aspect of the present invention, the spreader 10 may further include a ride-on platform 120. In one design, the ride-on platform 120, as best shown in FIG. 3, is a step or a rigid extension of the spreader's deck built to provide a standing or seating area for the operator. In another design, as best shown in FIG. 2, the ride-on platform 120 is a sulky 122, which is attached to the rear of the spreader's deck 12. As a non-limiting example, the ride-on sulky platform 122 may be formed of approximately quarter inch thick stainless steel, which is hard bolted to a sulky frame with four replaceable bolts. The ride-on sulky platform 122 includes a pair of tires 124, one each on either side of the platform. The tires may fairly large (13″×6.50″×6″) and soft in order to provide a safe and comfortable ride for the operator. As an exemplary comparison, the drive tires 14 for the spreader may be slightly larger (18″×9.50″×8″).

An articulating sulky connector 126 is used to couple the sulky 122 to the spreader's deck 12 such that the sulky 122 can rotate and pivot relative to the spreader's deck 12. The sulky connector 126, as best shown in FIG. 2, includes a main connector bolt 125 and brass bushings (not shown) to accommodate swivel. The bushings, as an example, may be oil light bushings with a one-inch inner diameter and a one and one-quarter inch (1 ¼) outer diameter. In a preferred design, the sulky connector 126 may accommodate a turning radius of 50 degrees both left and right. Further, the sulky connector 126 may allow a 15 degree pivot before deadheading on safety stops.

The material spreader 10 includes an engine 16. An example of a suitable engine may be a Kawasaki™ engine (Model FH381V). This engine is a twin cylinder engine rated as having 13 hp. It has a vertical shaft with a build in charging system capable of 20 amps. This particular engine has an electric starter, with a standard, heavy duty, power equipment U1-R battery. In a preferred aspect, the engine is modified to incorporate a recoil back-up pull starting system. The Kawasaki engine may power the transmission via a ½ inch belt drive pulley system.

The material spreader 10 further includes a transmission for transmitting the engine power to the wheels. An example of a suitable transmission is a hydrostatic transmission provided by Hydro Gear™(Part No. 01007935), which is belt driven. This transmission has a forward control and reverse control. Forward control is on the right handle bar assembly, reverse is on the left handle bar. The transmission has a variable forward speed, neutral position, and a variable reverse speed. Ground speed is increased when increased pressure is applied to a directional control lever. Once the lever is released, the hydro stat transmission hydraulically stops the unit. The maximum top end speed is 5.6 mph.

The material spreader 10 further includes a fuel tank 18, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 12. Typically, the fuel tank 18 may have approximately a 3½ to 4 gallon capacity. The fuel tank 18 may be formed of any suitable material. In a preferred design, the fuel tank 18 is formed as premolded polyethylene or polypropylene. The fuel tank 18 may be mounted to the deck 12 using any suitable system. For example, the fuel tank 18 may be attached to the deck 12 using four stainless steel inserts on the bottom in a 5 1/16-inch square pattern. Alternatively or additionally, the fuel tank 18 may be mounted to the deck 12 using two stainless steel inserts on the back wall of the fuel tank. In one design, the inserts accommodate, for example, 5/16-inch bolts.

In operation, the operator has the ability to use either the first or second tank 22, 24 or a combination of both tanks, depending on setting of the tank valve device 52. In a preferred embodiment, the operator also has the ability to control the flow rate from each tank 22, 24. For example, a three-way variable flow control tank valve 54 may be used to control the flow rate from each tank from 0-100% (in, for example, increments of 20%).

Using the nozzle valve device 70, the operator also has the ability to select the first set or second set of nozzles 30, 40 (or both) depending on demand. Thus, the operator may choose to only use the first set of nozzles 30. The first set of nozzles 30 may, as a non-limiting example, include two nozzles 32, each positioned at an upper forward corner of the spreader 10 (one on the left and one on the right) and designed to spray a maximum of about 12 feet of spray width. In one aspect, if the dual tank spray system 20 is equipped with a variable flow control nozzle valve device 70, the operator may choose, not only to use just the first set of nozzles 30, but also to limit the flow rate to these nozzles 32. By limiting the flow rate to, say, 80% of the maximum or rated flow rate, the spray width from the nozzles 32 may be decreased from the maximum 12 foot width to a width of 8 to 10 feet. Similarly, the operator may choose to only spray the ground using the second set of nozzles 40. As an example, the second set of nozzles 40 may be a single nozzle 42 located in the front and lower portion of the spreader 10 and having a maximum spray width of approximately 3-4 feet. As with the first set of nozzles 30, if the dual tank spray system 20 includes a variable flow control nozzle valve device 70, the amount of spray can be decreased or increased depending on the fluid percentage valve setting.

As another example, the dual tank spray system 20 may include a plurality of two-way valve devices 78, each associated with a single nozzle, 32, 42, 62. In operation, on a first area of the lawn or garden, the operator may set the tank valve device 54 to allow 100% flow from the first tank 22 and 100% flow from the second tank 24, while selecting only those nozzles on the left side of the spreader 10 to receive flow from the pump 80. In a different area of the lawn or garden, the operator may desire to only have liquid from the first tank 22 applied. In which case, the operator could select a setting on the tank valve device 54 that allows 100% flow from the first tank 22 and 0% flow from the second tank 24. In this area of the lawn, the operator may further desire to have only the nozzles on the front of the spreader 10 receive flow from the pump 80. The operator could switch off the nozzles on the left side of the spreader and switch on the nozzles on the front of the spreader, using the two-way valve devices 78 associated with each nozzle.

In a similar fashion, any combination of tanks 22, 24 and nozzles 32, 42, 62 could be selected. Using variable flow nozzle valve devices 54 provides even greater flexibility. For example, an operator could select 100% flow from the first tank 22 and 50% flow from the second tank 24, and select a nozzle 32 from the first set of nozzles 30 (for example, an upper left-side nozzle) to spray at 80% of rated capacity and select a nozzle 42 from the second set of nozzles 40 (for example, a lower right-side nozzle) to spray at 40% of rated capacity, while all other nozzles are shut off.

When the operator desires to use a nozzle 62 from the third set of nozzles 60, for example, a side shot nozzle, it is expected that the spreader 10 would be stationary. In such case, flow to the first and second sets of nozzles 30, 40 would be switched off. Spray from the selected side shot nozzle 62 is prohibited unless the on/off valve 66 associated with that nozzle 62 is switched on. The operator may then activate a spring-loaded trigger or push button trigger to release spray. Spraying is stopped automatically when the operator's hand is removed from the side shot handle. Flow to the side shot nozzle could be selected from the first tank 22, the second tank 24 or from both tanks by manipulating the tank valve device 54.

Although this invention has been shown and described with respect to the detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed in the above detailed description, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of this disclosure. These and other modifications and variations are all possible within the scope of the present invention. 

1. A material spreader having a dual tank spray system comprising: a deck having wheels; an engine mounted on the deck and configured to drive the wheels; first and second tanks mounted to the deck and configured to hold first and second liquid materials, respectively; first and second sets of one or more liquid-spray nozzles mounted on the deck; a pump mounted on the deck, the pump configured to pump the first liquid material, the second liquid material or a combination thereof to the first and second sets of nozzles; and a fluid distribution system configured to provide fluid communication between the first and second tanks, the first and second sets of liquid-spray nozzles, and the pump, such that the first set of nozzles can selectively spray the first liquid, the second liquid and a combination thereof and such that the second set of nozzles can selectively spray the first liquid, the second liquid and a combination thereof.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a third set of one or more liquid-spray nozzles, and wherein the fluid distribution system is further configured to provide fluid communication between the first and second tanks and the third set of nozzles, such that the third set of nozzles can selectively spray the first liquid, the second liquid and a combination thereof.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the third set of liquid-spray nozzles is flexibly coupled to the deck via the fluid distribution system.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first set of liquid-spray nozzles is mounted on a front portion of the deck.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first set of liquid-spray nozzles includes two nozzles, each one mounted on a side portion of the deck opposite the other.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid distribution system further includes a tank valve device located downstream of the first and second tanks and upstream of the pump, the tank valve device in fluid communication with the first tank, the second tank and the pump and configured to selectively transmit the first liquid material from the first tank to the pump, the second liquid material from the first tank to the pump, and both the first and second liquid materials from the first and second tanks to the pump.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the tank valve device selectively and variably controls the flow rate of each of the first and second liquid materials from the first and second tanks, respectively.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein the tank valve device includes one of a three-way mixing valve and a pair of two-way valves.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein one or more of any of the valves is a variable flow control valve.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid distribution system further includes a nozzle valve device located downstream of the pump and upstream of the first and second sets of one or more liquid-spray nozzles.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the nozzle valve device selectively and variably controls the flow rate to each of the first and second sets of nozzles.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the nozzle valve device includes one of a three-way diverting valve and a pair of two-way valves.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein one or more of any of the valves is a variable flow control valve.
 14. The system of claim 2, wherein each of the third set of one or more liquid-spray nozzles are individually coupled to a handle, and wherein the fluid distribution system further includes one or more on/off valves, each on/off valve individually mounted on, or adjacent to, one of the handles and configured to stop and start flow to the respective nozzle.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second tanks are removably and individually mounted to the deck.
 16. The system of claim 1, further comprising a hopper mounted on the deck and configured to hold granular material; and an impeller rotatably mounted to the hopper to distribute the granular material.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the pump is electrically powered by an onboard battery and/or charging system.
 18. The system of claim 1, further including a ride-on platform.
 19. A dual tank spray system for a material spreader comprising: first and second tanks, configured to hold first and second liquid materials, respectively; first and second sets of one or more liquid-spray nozzles; a pump; and a fluid distribution system configured to provide fluid communication between the first and second tanks, the first and second sets of liquid-spray nozzles, and the pump, such that the first set of nozzles can selectively spray the first liquid, the second liquid and a combination thereof and such that the second set of nozzles can selectively spray the first liquid, the second liquid and a combination thereof; the fluid distribution system including a tank valve device having as a first input a flow from the first tank, as a second input a flow from the second tank, and as an output a flow directed into the pump; and the fluid distribution system further including a nozzle valve device having as input a flow from the pump, as a first output a flow to the first set of nozzles, and as a second output a flow to the second set of nozzles.
 20. The dual tank spray system of claim 21, wherein the tank valve device includes one of a variable flow control three-way mixing valve and a pair of variable flow control two-way valves, and wherein the nozzle valve device includes one of a three-way diverting valve and a pair of two-way valves.
 21. A dual tank spray system for a material spreader comprising: first and second tanks, configured to hold first and second liquid materials, respectively; first, second and third sets of one or more liquid-spray nozzles; a pump; and a fluid distribution system configured to provide fluid communication between the first and second tanks, the first, second and third sets of liquid-spray nozzles, and the pump, such that the first set of nozzles can selectively spray the first liquid, the second liquid and a combination thereof, the second set of nozzles can selectively spray the first liquid, the second liquid and a combination thereof, and the third set of nozzles can selectively spray the first liquid, the second liquid and a combination thereof; the fluid distribution system including a tank valve device having as a first input a flow from the first tank, as a second input a flow from the second tank, and as an output a flow directed into the pump, wherein the tank valve device includes one of a variable flow control three-way mixing valve and a pair of variable flow control two-way valves; and wherein the fluid distribution system further includes a plurality of two-way valve devices, each two-way valve device associated with each individual nozzle of the first, second, and third sets of nozzles. 